Estate Planning
We provide estate planning services that are customized to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Our services include the preparation, and supervising the execution, of various essential documents, including:
Our expert team crafts personalized wills to ensure your final wishes are clearly defined and honored. We guide you through every step, providing peace of mind that your legacy is protected.
Wills
We design trusts that protect your assets and provide for your loved ones, tailored to meet your specific needs. Our comprehensive approach ensures your financial security and legacy are preserved.
Trusts
Our compassionate guidance helps you appoint a trusted individual to make important health care decisions on your behalf. We ensure your medical preferences are respected even when you cannot voice them yourself.
Health Care Proxies
We assist in creating powers of attorney to empower trusted individuals to manage your affairs with care and precision. Our detailed planning ensures that your personal and financial matters are in capable hands.
Powers of Attorney
Probate and Estate Administration
Administering an estate can be a difficult process, especially after losing a loved one. Our firm can assist you every step of the way. We are here to ensure the estate is administered effectively and efficiently. Our services include:
If your loved one died with a Will, we can assist in submitting it for probate. This is a court proceeding that we help you navigate, by assisting you with all court paperwork and ensuring compliance with all legal requirements. With our support, you can approach this process with confidence, knowing that your loved one’s wishes will be honored and their estate administered smoothly.
Probate Proceedings
Administration Proceedings
When someone dies without a will, it can create uncertainty and complications. We guide you through the legal processes involved in appointing someone to administer the estate in accordance with the laws of intestacy, ensuring the assets are distributed properly and efficiently.
Managing tax obligations is a crucial aspect of estate administration. We will assist you in assessing and satisfying the decedent’s NY State and Federal estate tax obligations, and will connect you with accountants who assist with all income tax issues. As the executor or administrator, we can help ensure that your obligations as a fiduciary are met.
Estate Taxes
Accountings and Distribution
We prepare detailed accountings of all financial activities related to the estate, providing transparency and clarity to beneficiaries, while minimizing stress and legal complications. Paying creditors, distributing assets, and obtaining a release can be complicated and sometimes contentious. With our support, you can fulfill your fiduciary duties, reduce potential tax liabilities, and ensure a smooth distribution process.
Contested Matters (Litigation)
Legal disputes related to estate matters are an unfortunate reality for some, especially when emotions are running high. Whether you have an issue with an executor, or you’re defending your administration from a contentious beneficiary, we can help. With our extensive experience in the NY Surrogate’s Court, we provide:
With a thorough understanding of the relevant law, we assess the facts and circumstances of your situation, and the strengths and weaknesses of your position. We provide comprehensive advice from the outset, so you know all your options and decide on the best path forward for you.
Thoughtful Assessments
Resolutions
Litigating an estate matter in court is not only time consuming but expensive. Negotiating for a resolution with the opposing party is often the most effective way to minimize stress, preserve relationships, and save money. We strive to make your circumstances better, which often involves finding common ground, not just fighting in court.
When negotiations fail, we will work to protect your interests and achieve a favorable outcome in the Surrogate’s Court. Our firm is well-versed in the procedures and intricacies of the court system, and can assist you with all manner of proceedings, including contested probate, administration, accounting, and guardianship proceedings.
Surrogate’s Court Experience
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